On Sept. 8, 1565, Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés landed in what is now St. Augustine, claiming Florida for Spain and founding the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the continental United States. Upon his arrival, Father Francisco López de Mendoza Grajales celebrated the first Catholic Mass of Thanksgiving on these shores, planting the roots of the Catholic faith in what is now the United States.
To mark the 460th anniversary, the Diocese of St. Augustine will host the Founder’s Day Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Mission Nombre de Dios (101 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine).
The day begins at 10 a.m. with a reenactment of Menéndez’s landing by the Historic Florida Militia, followed by a Solemn Mass at the Rustic Altar, commemorating the first Mass celebrated in the New World. Bishop Erik Pohlmeier will be the main celebrant of the Mass. Free admission and parking are available at the Mission (guests should bring a folding chair).
At noon, a Grand Procession will lead participants to the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, where at 1 p.m. the reenactment of the first Thanksgiving meal between the Spaniards and the Timucuan natives will take place. From 1 to 5 p.m., visitors can enjoy a Spanish encampment and weapons demonstrations at the Fountain of Youth. Regular admission fees apply at that location.
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